Safe Travels Pod

Hear from the folks that live, breathe and know the national parks best. All episodes, including vlogs, are available on our YouTube channel @safetravelspod. __ Safe Travels is a media network that sits down with park rangers to discuss unique areas of each park. The goal of each episode is to help educate current and future visitors on ways to stay safe and keep the park healthy.

Last refreshed: August 21st, 2025 at 10:13 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Canyonlands & Arches National Parks: Search & Rescue with SAR Coordinator Brian Hays

Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator and Park Ranger Brian Hays joined us to chat about the search and rescue team at Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Brian shares the day-to-day experience working on the SAR team, different types of rescue missions and includes some potentially life saving tips and advice for explorers. Brian was such a fascinating guest and such a joy to meet and talk with. He and his team do some incredible work for the parks and its visitors. Watch the video version on ...

Nov 15, 2024•28 min

Canyonlands National Park: Geology, Human History & Wildlife with Park Ranger Karen Henker

Canyonlands and Arches park ranger, Karen Henker, joined the podcast to chat about Canyonlands geology, human history and wildlife. Karen has been a park ranger for nearly 20 years and has spent most of her time in Utah at Canyonlands and Arches. Her knowledge and passion for these parks is incredible and so fun to listen to. I had a blast getting to spend time with her. You can watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/ttSeP0-BBkw In the podcast, we talk about the native peoples who have ca...

Nov 08, 2024•44 min

The National Park Service Protects More Than Nature with Superintendent Erin Gates

We're back with one more episode at César E. Chávez National Monument! Park Superintendent, Erin Gates, sat down to chat with us about how the National Park Service protects more than just beautiful natural places like the national parks. The NPS tells stories that allow us to interact with and learn key pieces of American history, like the story of César E. Chávez and the United Farm Workers movement. The full episode is also available on YouTube! Special thanks to Erin Gates, the National Park...

Oct 11, 2024•27 min

César E. Chávez National Monument: César Chávez's Life & Legacy with Superintendent Erin Gates

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we traveled to Keene, California, to chat with the Superintendent of César E. Chávez National Monument, Erin Gates. Erin and I chatted about César's life and legacy, how he was an ordinary human who achieved extraordinary things and why his story should motivate and encourage us to chase our own dreams and passions. Here is a link to the YouTube version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/yMUyvbjS6Ok ___ Follow us on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...

Oct 03, 2024•42 min

Olympic National Park: Human History, Cultural Resources & Archeology with Archeologist & Curator Matt Dubeau

Matt Dubeau is an archeologist and curator at Olympic National Park. He joined the podcast to discuss how humans have used the olympic peninsula for thousands of years. Matt also shared insight on archeological digs, how the parks preserve artifacts and how visitors can minimize their impact on culturally significant resources and artifacts. Matt is tremendous! I really hope you enjoy this episode. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod ___ Follow us ...

Jul 26, 2024•38 min

Olympic National Park: Climate Ecology & Physical Science with Climate Ecologist Bill Baccus

Bill Baccus is a climate ecologist at Olympic National Park, his role is described as 'a doctor checking the vitals of the park'. In this episode we explore the health of Olympic National Park, climate change and the role that physical scientist play in each of these national parks. Bill is an incredible scientist and a wonderful guest! We did the podcast with the beautiful Olympic mountains peaking behind us. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod __...

Jul 18, 2024•38 min

Olympic National Park: Fire Management & Firefighter Health with FMO Jeff Bortner

Jeff Bortner is the Fire Management Officer at Olympic National Park and he joined the podcast to discuss fire management, firefighter mental and physical health, wildland training, the fire history in Olympic National Park and much more! Jeff is an incredible guests with and extensive history of fighting fires in various parks inside the United States and Canada. We had such a beautiful backdrop at Hurricane Ridge inside the park. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube....

Jul 11, 2024•43 min

North Cascades National Park: Bears, Bear Safety & General Wildlife with Park Ranger Anna Vornholt

North Cascades Park Ranger Anna Vornholt joins the podcast for round two to discuss bears, bear safety and general wildlife in the park. Anna shares helpful tips on how to keep yourself safe when you're hiking and camping in bear country, plus she also shares insight about other area's that frequent North Cascades National Park. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod ___ Follow us on social! https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspod https://www.tiktok....

Jun 28, 2024•19 min

North Cascades National Park: Natural Features & Ecosystems with Park Ranger Anna Vornholt

North Cascades Park Ranger Anna Vornholt joined the podcast to chat about the natural features and ecosystems of the North Cascades! We discussed glaciers, glacial melt, the parks rain shadow, old growth forests and more. Ranger Anna is so great to talk with. She will join us again next week to talk about bears, bear safety and general wildlife within the park. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod ___ Follow us on social! https://www.instagram.com/s...

Jun 19, 2024•23 min

Death Valley National Park: Geology & Climate with Park Ranger Matt Lamar

Death Valley Park Ranger, Matt Lamar, joined to chat about the geology and climate of Death Valley National Park. He shared details on how specific parts of the park were created, what you need to see when you visit and how you can stay safe despite the parks' extreme climate. Matt is awesome and is filled with knowledge about the parks. Make sure to give him a visit when you head to DVNP! You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod ___ Follow us on social...

Jun 06, 2024•36 min

The Hiking Guy: Hiking, Healing, & Enjoying Nature with Cris Hazzard

We had the opportunity to sit down with Cris Hazzard from HikingGuy.com to chat about his outdoor journey, how we can encourage and support others that are getting into hiking, outdoor + tech gear, hiking etiquette and much more! Cris was an awesome interview and an even better person. I had a blast picking his brain and getting to spend some time with him! You can also view the full conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@safetravelspod Cris Hazzard/Hiking Guy links to sup...

May 30, 2024•50 min

Death Valley National Park: Wildlife with Park Ranger Elyscia Letterman

Death Valley Park Ranger, Elyscia Letterman, joined to chat about the wildlife at Death Valley National Park! She shared awesome insight on the various desert adaptations that the animals have taken on, reptiles, predators and prey, plus much more! Elyscia was an awesome guest - I had such a blast getting to chat and learn from her. Upcoming episodes: - The Hiking Guy: Cris Hazzard's story + hiking advice - Death Valley National Park: Geology and Climate If you like this video, please consider l...

May 23, 2024•46 min

Death Valley National Park: Dark Skies Astronomy with Park Ranger Matt Lamar

Death Valley Park Ranger, Matt Lamar, joined to chat about the dark skies that surround Death Valley National Park. He shared his best tips and insight on how visitors can best experience the cosmos. Matt was an awesome guest and a true joy to get to listen to and learn from. Upcoming episodes: - Death Valley National Park: Wildlife - The Hiking Guy: Expert Hiking and Camping Advice - Death Valley National Park: Geology and Climate If you like this video, please consider leaving a rating on our ...

May 18, 2024•28 min

Grand Canyon National Park: Cultural History & Fire Archeology with Jason Nez

It was an honor to sit down with Jason Nez! Jason is a Fire Archeologist at Grand Canyon National Park and is a part of Navajo Nation. In our conversation we discussed the crucial need for visitor education pertaining to indigenous peoples and their long, important history that exists in the Grand Canyon. We also discussed Jason’s role in the park as a Fire Archeologist and the important decisions he has to make in order to keep the park healthy and to preserve some of the most important archeol...

May 04, 2024•39 min

Safe Travels Trailer

The Safe Travels podcast is coming to a national park near you! Our first set of episodes are set to launch in mid-to-late April. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our official launch!

Mar 30, 2024•15 sec

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